Saturday, February 12, 2011

When Did Susana Know?

When reporters asked Gov. Susana Martinez about Harrison Schmitt refusing to sign papers for his background check — a refusal that led to him withdrawing his nomination for a cabinet position — she said she’d only learned of the development a few moments before.

However, an e-mail from Schmitt obtained Friday by The New Mexican indicates that Schmitt informed top Martinez aides at least four days before she told reporters she’d just got the news.

Shortly after 7 p.m. last Sunday, Schmitt e-mailed a message to fellow Cabinet secretary nominees telling them he was going to refuse to sign papers clearing the way for an Albuquerque private investigator to conduct a background check on him.

Asked about this Friday, a Martinez spokesman said the governor, when asked about Schmitt the day before had just been informed of Schmitt;s "final decision" not to submit the paper.